GPs can refer eligible patients with type 2 diabetes to group exercise classes delivered by accredited exercise physiologists under Medicare Item 81110. This page outlines referral requirements, what patients can expect, how reporting works, and includes a list of local providers delivering the program.
Key points
- Patients must have a GP management plan to be eligible (Item 81110) OR a GP chronic condition management plan
- A Team Care Arrangement is not required for group services
- Patients receive eight x one-hour group sessions, in addition to their five individual allied health visits
- A face-to-face assessment is completed before group classes begin
- GPs receive assessment and progress reports from the exercise physiologist
- Referrals can be made to the organisation rather than an individual clinician
- All listed services are based in South Western Sydney
- From 1 July 2025, referral forms will no longer be used for referral to allied health services. Referral letters will be used, consistent with the referral process for medical specialists.
How it works
GPs can refer patients with a GP management plan OR a GP chronic condition management plan to type 2 diabetes group exercise classes under Medicare Item 81110.
After referral to a participating exercise physiology practice (listed below), patients will receive a face-to-face consultation to assess their suitability for the program. A copy of the assessment will be sent back to the referring GP.
Patients deemed suitable will be invited to attend eight one-hour group exercise sessions. Once these are complete, the exercise physiologist will provide a report to the GP detailing the patient’s progress.
These eight group sessions are in addition to the five individual allied health visits available to eligible patients each calendar year. Unlike individual services, there is no requirement for a Team Care Arrangement to refer for group allied health services.
Referrals can be made to the organisation rather than a specific clinician, offering greater flexibility in scheduling and clinician availability.
Participating providers – Bankstown LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
|
Unit 2, 11 Cahors Rd, Padstow |
MBS Gap fee |
|
|
98 Park Road, East Hills |
Bulk billed |
Participating providers – Camden LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
|
368 Welling Drive, Mount Annan |
Bulk billed |
|
|
Suite 1/18 Porrende St, Narellan |
Bulk billed |
|
|
Shop 3 /4 George Hunter Drive, Narellan |
Bulk billed |
Participating providers – Campbelltown LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
| Harmony Specialist Healthcare |
4 Chamberlain Street, Campbelltown |
MBS gap fee |
|
Unit 1/10 Blaxland Road, Campbelltown |
Bulk billed |
|
| South West Health Management |
1/27 Mount Erin Rd, Campbelltown |
MBS gap fee |
Participating providers – Fairfield LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
|
Fairfield City Leisure Centres – |
Cabravale Leisure Centre: Prairiewood Leisure Centre: |
Bulk billed |
Participating providers – Liverpool LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
|
Unit 2/46-48 Jedda Rd, Prestons |
Bulk billed |
|
|
Mounties Health and Fitness |
101 Meadows Rd, Mount Pritchard |
Bulk billed |
|
Michael Wenden Aquatic Centre, Miller |
MBS gap fee |
|
|
15/2 Ash Road, Prestons |
Bulk billed |
|
|
Suite 1, 173–179 Bigge St, Liverpool |
Bulk billed |
Participating providers – Wingecarribee LGA
|
Organisation |
Address |
Cost |
|
242 Argyle Street, Moss Vale |
MBS gap fee |
Referral form
As of 1 July 2025, the use of a prescribed referral form for allied health services will no longer be required. Allied health referrals will now be provided via referral letters, consistent with the arrangements for referrals to medical specialists.
The minimum requirements for a valid referral to an allied health provider will be that the referral:
- includes the name of the referring practitioner
- includes the address of the practice, or the practitioner’s provider number at that practice, of the referring practitioner
- includes the date on which the referring practitioner made the referral
- the validity of the referral (if relevant). NB: for referrals to individual or group allied health services (Group M3 Subgroup 1, Group M9 and Group M11) referrals will be valid for 18 months from the date of the first service provided under the referral, unless otherwise specified by the referring practitioner
- be in writing
- be signed by the referring practitioner (which may be by electronic signature)
- be dated
- explain the reasons for referring the patient, including any information about the patient’s condition that the referring practitioner considered necessary to give the allied health professional.
Need help?
If you’d like support extracting a list of eligible patients for referral, please contact:
Alyssa Horgan – alyssa.horgan@swsphn.com.au
Group exercise classes for people with type 2 diabetes flyer
People living with type 2 diabetes may be eligible to take part in Medicare-funded group exercise classes run by qualified exercise physiologists. These classes support people to manage their condition through safe, supervised physical activity.